Sunday, April 24, 2016

The Light that Dispels Fear

This week we've been focusing on preparing for earthquakes, but the thought of a natural disaster can be a little unnerving. It's tempting to want to close our eyes and turn away from it all, instead of thinking about all of the scary things that could happen. It's true that at some point in our lives, we'll have cause to fear, whether it's because of a natural disaster, a difficult trial or a devastating tragedy. But if we turn to Jesus Christ, He can dispel the clouds of darkness and eliminate the doubt and fear.

I love Elder Bednar's message from the 2015 First Presidency Christmas Devotional, entitled, "The Light & Life of the World." He spoke of events that happened before Christ's birth, during His life, and after His death. Of the period of destruction after Christ's death, Elder Bednar said:

"And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness;

“And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled … , so that there could not be any light at all;

“And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land.

“And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen” (3 Nephi 8:20–23).

Then, he continued:

"What might it have been like to experience those three days of indescribable darkness and then, a short time later, gather with the multitude of 2,500 people at the temple in the land of Bountiful? Can you envision the majesty of the moment as the Savior descended from the heavens and declared, 'Behold, I am Jesus Christ. … I am the light and the life of the world'?

"To this special assembly at the temple, two of the first words the Savior used to describe Himself were 'the light.' ... For the people in the assembled multitude, terrible darkness and fear had been dissipated by the true light, even Jesus Christ."

It's easy to fear the unknown, but whenever we're tempted to let fear take over, we can call out to our Savior and He will calm the storm. There is nothing He cannot overcome. Jesus Christ is the light that dispels fear. He provides assurance and direction, and can help us find peace and joy. If we let Him, He will replace our fear with hope. Remember--when darkness comes, He can overcome it. All we need to do it ask.

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